Method and implant device for grafting adjacent vertebral bodies

Abstract

A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed there between. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

Claims

1. A method for implanting an implant between adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said method comprising: securing a first endplate of the implant to one of the vertebral bodies; securing a second endplate of the implant to the other of the vertebral bodies, wherein the implant comprises the first endplate having an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween, wherein an outer, bone-contacting surface of the first endplate includes a retaining structure, and the inner disc portion of the first endplate has a socket, half-socket, or poly-axial head, and a ball joint rod having a longitudinally extending body and an end, wherein at least a portion of the ball joint rod end is curvilinear in shape, and the curvilinear ball joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the socket, half-socket, or polyaxial head; and securing a fusion member to the ball joint rod body, wherein the fusion member includes a body having a c-shape.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fusion member snap-fits onto the ball-joint rod body.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner disc portion is formed of separate first and second sections which cooperate together to complete the socket.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the ball joint rod is interconnected with the second endplate by sliding the ball joint rod laterally into the first section and placing the second section adjacent to the first section.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the retaining structure is a centrally located spike protruding from the outer, bone-contacting surface.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the retaining structure is an inner ring wall protruding from the outer, bone-contacting surface.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the curvilinear ball joint rod end is semi-spherical in shape.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the curvilinear ball joint rod end is spherical in shape.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the vertebral bodies is fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the ball joint rod body at the socket, half-socket, or polyaxial head.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first or second endplate includes a plurality of apertures and a ball joint rod projecting member is disposed in one of the plurality of apertures.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball joint rod body includes a groove, and the groove is configured to retain the ball joint rod end in the socket.

12. A method for implanting an implant device within adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said method comprising: securing an endplate to each of the vertebral bodies, wherein each endplate includes an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween, an outer, bone-contacting surface of each endplate includes a retaining structure adapted for securing each endplate to one of the bony structures, and the inner disc portion has a socket, half-socket, or poly-axial head; interconnecting each endplate using a ball joint rod, wherein the ball joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and a first end and a second end, and at least a portion of each of the first ball joint rod end and second ball joint rod end is curvilinear in shape, so that each curvilinear ball joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the corresponding endplate socket, half-socket, or polyaxial head to fixedly interconnect the vertebral bodies; and securing a fusion member to the ball joint rod body, wherein the fusion member includes a body having a c-shape.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fusion member snap-fits onto the ball-joint rod body.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the inner disc portion is formed of separate first and second sections which cooperate together to complete the socket.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the ball joint rod is interconnected with one of the endplates by sliding the ball joint rod laterally into the first section and placing the second section adjacent to the first section.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the endplates is secured to each of the vertebral bodies, respectively, with a spike protruding from each endplate.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the endplates is secured to each of the vertebral bodies, respectively, with a screw extending through each endplate.

18. A method for implanting an implant device between adjacent vertebral bodies of a spine, said method comprising: securing a first endplate to a first vertebral body, wherein the first endplate includes a first inner disc portion and a first outer ring portion spaced from the first inner disc portion by a first connecting wall disposed therebetween, a first outer, bone-contacting surface of the first endplate includes a first retaining structure and the first inner disc portion of the first endplate has a first socket, half-socket, or poly-axial head; securing a second endplate to a second vertebral body, wherein the second endplate includes a second inner disc portion and a second outer ring portion spaced from the second inner disc portion by a second connecting wall disposed therebetween, a second outer, bone-contacting surface of the second endplate includes a second retaining structure and the second inner disc portion of the second endplate has a second socket, half-socket, or poly-axial head; wherein the first endplate is interconnected with the second endplate with a ball joint rod, wherein the ball joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and a first end and a second end, and at least a portion of each of the first ball joint rod end and second ball joint rod end is curvilinear in shape, so that each curvilinear ball joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the corresponding first or second endplate socket, half-socket, or poly-axial head to interconnect the first and second vertebral bodies; and securing a fusion member to the ball joint rod body, wherein the fusion member includes a body having a c-shape.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fusion member snap-fits onto the ball joint rod body.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the fusion member includes a plurality of outwardly extending bristles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertebral implant device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of an endplate of the vertebral implant device of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of the endplate of the vertebral implant device of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of the endplate of the vertebral implant device of FIG. 3 including a fastener.

(6) FIG. 5a is an elevational side view of a ball-joint rod of the vertebral implant device of FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 5b is an elevational side view of a ball-joint rod having a plurality of spikes, according to another embodiment.

(8) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vertebral implant device having a bristle post fusion shaft member.

(9) FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the bristle post fusion shaft member of FIG. 6.

(10) FIG. 8 is a top view of the ball-joint rod and bristle shaft member of FIG. 6.

(11) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vertebral implant device having a ring fusion shaft member.

(12) FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the ring fusion shaft member of FIG. 9.

(13) FIG. 11 is a top view of the ball-joint rod of FIG. 9.

(14) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a device for inserting a vertebral implant into a vertebral region, according to an exemplary embodiment.

(15) FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method of inserting a vertebral implant device into a vertebral region, using the vertebral implant device of FIG. 1.

(16) FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a vertebral region having undergone a corpectomy according to the method of FIG. 13.

(17) FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a pair of endplates inserted between two vertebrae, according to the method of FIG. 13.

(18) FIG. 16 is a side view of the endplates of FIG. 15 illustrating attachment of the endplates to the vertebrae.

(19) FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating attachment of a ball-joint rod to the endplates.

(20) FIG. 18 is a side view of a bristle fusion shaft member attached to the ball-joint rod of FIG. 17, according to an exemplary embodiment.

(21) FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the vertebral implant device of FIG. 6 secured to two to adjacent vertebral bodies.

(22) FIG. 20 is an elevational view of the vertebral implant device set at a predetermined angle.

(23) FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating an end plate having a poly axial head that allows for attachment of a ride at various angles.

(24) FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment illustrating attachment of a ball-joint rod to an endplate.

(25) FIG. 23 is a top view of the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(26) The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

(27) Referring to FIGS. 1-20, an implant device 10 for use between adjacent bone structures is shown. In this example, the implant device 10 is a vertebral implant device 10 designed to be implanted in regions of the spine 12, such as the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, although the location of implantation is non-limiting. For example, the vertebral implant device 10 can be used in the lateral extracavity, anterolateral, or direct anterior regions of the thoracolumbar spine to address indications relating to trauma, tumors, and degenerative issues such as scoliosis, or the like. The vertebral implant device 10 may serve as a modular mechanical graft to support eventual bone growth. The vertebral implant device 10 and its individual components can be fabricated from various materials, such as, plastic, metal, alloys, a bio-absorbable polymer, or the like, and the selection is non-limiting. The selected material may be magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible. Implantation of the vertebral implant device 10 may be via lateral or lateral extracavity approaches, in a manner to be described.

(28) Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the vertebral implant device 10 of this example is illustrated. The vertebral implant device 10 generally includes an endplate 14 that provides a direct attachment mechanism to the adjacent remaining vertebra 16 and distributes forces across the vertebra 16. In this example there is a first endplate 14 and a second endplate 14 that is spaced apart from the first endplate by a rod 18 or shaft. The endplate 14 may be about mm thick and range from 20-40 mm in diameter. The endplate 14 can be made of various materials, such as titanium, PEEK, a bio-absorbable polymer, or the like. The endplate 14 includes an exterior surface 20 and an interior surface 22, and the endplate interior surface 22 is in direct contact with the adjacent vertebral body 16. The endplate interior surface 22 may have a variety of profiles, such as a concentric rings of varying thickness, or the like, to mimic anatomic doming of the vertebrae.

(29) The endplate 14 has a generally circular disc-shaped profile. The endplate 14 includes an inner disc portion 24 that is spaced apart from a generally planar outer ring portion 26 by a connecting wall 28. A generally planar collar 30 extends away from an outer edge of the outer ring portion 26.

(30) The endplate inner disc portion 24 is concave to form a socket 32 for receiving a portion of the ball-joint rod 18 in a manner to be described. The wall of the socket 32 may include apertures 34 so that bone marrow may pass therethrough from the passageways 36 formed within the vertebral implant device 10. Further, the wall of the socket may include another aperture (not shown) for receiving a locking set screw to prevent angular movement of the formed ball-socket joint from a final position. In another example, the wall of the socket 32 may include a structural formation, such as a circumferentially extending indentations, groves or the like, to facilitate grasping of corresponding spikes or protrusions on the ball joint rod end. This would allow gripping of the ball joint rod end at various angles but would prevent slipping from that predetermined angle, in a manner to be described.

(31) FIGS. 22-23 illustrates another or alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the inner disc 24 is formed of two separate sections 24a, 24b. As illustrated, the ball-joint body end 56 is placed in the socket 32 wherein the second section 24b is then positioned adjacent the first section 24a to capture and retain the ball-joint rod 18 to endplate 14. As illustrated a pair of fasteners 100 extend through the second section 24b and are received in threaded apertures 102 located in first section 24a. Further, while the socket 32 is shown extending into the collar 30, the depth of the socket 32 can be limited to the length of the wall 28 whereby the ball-joint body end 56 can be slid laterally or sideways above the top surface of the concentric ring portion 26 and into the socket 32. Since the second section 24b has a complementary or identical configuration placing it adjacent the first section 24a secures the ball-joint rod 18 to the endplate 14. In this way, the half dome shaped socket 32 is formed from the respective sections 24a, 24b which cooperate together to complete or form a full socket 32. While shown herein as secured by threaded fasteners, other mechanisms could be used to secure the respective sections 24a, 24b to one another including various types of snap fit arrangements including detent tabs, bayonet and other push type fastener systems.

(32) In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 21 the ball-joint rod 18 may be formed in two separate portions wherein the ball-joint body portion 54 is separate from the ball-joint body end 56 shown engaged or connected to the endplate 14. Thus, the ball-joint body end 56 forms a poly-axial head 106 configured to receive a fusion shaft 108 of the ball-joint body portion 54. As illustrated a pin 110 extends through the poly-axial head 106 and fusion shaft 108 to couple the two together. While the pin 110 is shown, other mechanisms or fastening means, such as set screws, can be used to couple or attached the ball-joint body end 56 to the ball-joint body portion 54. Accordingly, multiple endplates 14 can be secured with their respective ball-joint body ends 56 already attached after which a ball-joint body portion 54 is used to connect selected endplates 14.

(33) The endplate 14 may also include a retaining structure 40 for securing the endplate 14 to the adjacent vertebral body 16. Further, the endplate 14 may include a plurality of retaining structures 40 that are concentrically arranged within the endplate interior surface 22 to form an inner ring wall. Additionally, the endplate 12 may include one or more concentric inner ring walls 42. Each concentric ring well 42 may have an increasing diameter to correspond to anatomic endplate surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies 16. An example of a retaining structure 40 is a cleat 44 extending outwardly from the endplate interior surface 22. Each cleat 44 may have a predetermined shape. In this example, cleat 44 has an upper surface that is angled/curved/actuate to conform to or mirror the dome- or bowl-like shape of the upper surface of the endplate. The cleat 44 may be hollow as shown at 45 to form another passageway 36 for bone graft material to travel through, and may connect with other passageways 36 formed in the endplate interior portion 22. The endplate 12 may also include a plurality of integrally formed apertures 46, and the apertures 46 may assume various shapes, such as circular or as a notch or the like. The openings formed between the retaining structures 40 similarly form a connection to passageways 36 that facilitate the transfer of bone growth therethrough.

(34) Another example of a retaining structure 40 is a spike 48, such as a central spike as shown at 48a extending from the center of the endplate inner disc 24 for impactation into an object, such as the adjacent vertebral body 16 or the like. The central spike 48a can likewise have apertures 48b leading to an interior channel 48c to allow for autograft or bone marrow to seep through and support bone growth therein.

(35) The endplate 12 also includes an opening 34 for receiving a fastener 38, such as a screw or the like, for either tacking or fixedly securing the endplate 14 to the adjacent vertebral body 16 or the like. In an example, the opening 34 is located in the endplate outer ring 26. If a temporary fixation of the endplate 14 to the anatomic endplate 98 of the adjacent vertebral body is desired, the fastener 38 may be a tack screw having a predetermined length, such as 3 mm. Similarly, the fastener 38 may be a screw having another predetermined length, such as 10 mm, although other types of fasteners 52 may be utilized.

(36) Referring now to FIG. 5a, a ball-joint rod 18 that interconnects the endplates 14 and provides structural support to the removed vertebral body 16 is illustrated. The ball-joint rod 18 has a generally cylindrical body portion 54, with a first end 56 and an opposed second end 56. The ball-joint body portion 54 may vary in length depending on specific anatomical characteristics. The ball-joint body ends 56 each have a semi-spherical shape. Similarly, the ball-joint body end 56 may have a spherical shape, or a similar combination. The ball-joint end 56 is received in the socket 32 formed in the endplate 14, and thus corresponds in shape and dimension to mate with the endplate socket 32. For example, the ball-joint rod 18 may be between 5 mm to 30 mm in diameter.

(37) The ball-joint rod 18 may also include other features, such as an integrally formed groove 58 positioned adjacent the ball joint end and extending circumferentially around the ball-joint body 54. The ball-joint rod groove 58 and the ball-joint body 54 operatively work in conjunction with each other to engage the socket 32 formed in the endplate 14 to create a snap-fit ball-joint 60 to retain the ball-joint rod 18 to the endplate 14. The ball-joint end 56 may be engaged in the end plate socket 32 using a variety of techniques, such as by using a spring loaded ring/washer, set screw, fastener, nitrile ring, or the like. For example, a locking device (not shown), such as a spring washer, may be inserted in the groove 58 to prevent the ball-joint rod 54 from disengaging from the endplate socket 32. The second ball-joint end, a second ball-joint groove and likewise are engaged with the socket formed in the second endplate to also create a snap-fit joint. This type of universal joint enables each of the endplates 14 to freely move independently from each other, as shown in FIG. 20. This flexibility enables variation in endplate alignment and angulation for improved insertion, attachment, and performance of the device 10. The ball-joint rod 14 body 54 can be of various sizes. In this example, the ball-joint body can range from 5 mm to 30 mm in length. The ball-joint rod body can be made of various materials, such as, titanium, PEEK, or the like.

(38) The ball-joint rod 18 can also have a variety of other features to enhance performance, such as perforations, a hollow interior/core, extensions, spikes, or the like, to facilitate bone marrow growth and transit in, through, around passageways formed relative to the device 10. For example, the ball-joint end 56 may have apertures 62 connecting with passageways 36 extending through the endplate for transmitting bone marrow or graft material 82 therethrough passageways 64 formed in the ball-joint rod 18. Likewise, the ball-joint body 54 may have apertures 62 to connect with passageways 64.

(39) In another example, an exterior surface of the ball-joint rod body 54 can have a plurality of outwardly extending spikes 66, as shown in FIG. 5b. The spaces between the spikes 66 may delineate channels 68 for bone growth. In an example, the spikes 66 can be arranged on the ball-joint rod end 56, such that the spikes 60 engage corresponding openings 34 in the endplates 12 to initially lock that ball-joint shaft into the endplate 14 at a selected position or angle 70. The ball-joint rod 18 can then be further locked in the selected position or angle by fasteners, such as screws, or the like.

(40) Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 the vertebral implant device 10 may include another member removeably attached thereto. In an example, the vertebral implant device 10 includes a fusion shaft member 80 that can be attached to the ball-joint rod body 54, and that acts as a carrier, support, and/or container for bone grafting tissue, bone growth, or the like. Examples of various potential pathways for bone marrow transit are depicted in FIG. 19 at 82. The fusion shaft member 80 has a circumferentially shaped body portion 84 that is placed over the ball-joint shaft body 54. The fusion shaft member body portion 84 may have an opening 86 for engaging the ball-joint shaft body 54. The fusion shaft member body 84 also includes a plurality of extension members 88 or bristles that further facilitate bone growth and support of the graft. For example, the bristles 88 may contain a bone growth enhancement material such as allograft and/or autograft. The fusion shaft member 80 can have a variety of dimensions, sizes, shapes, or the like. In an example, the fusion shaft member 80 is a partial ring having a C-shape profile and having a circumference of approximately 270 degrees and includes a plurality of bristles extending outwardly therefrom, such as perpendicularly, or the like. The fusion shaft member 80 can be clipped in a snap-fit manner onto the ball-joint rod body portion. In another example, multiple fusion shaft members 80 can be stacked adjacent to one another on the ball-joint rod body 54 for additional coverage and to help bind the joint. For example, the fusion shaft members 80 may be positioned so that the opening of each is staggered. The fusion shaft member 80 can be made from a variety of materials, such as, vicryl, PEEK, or the like. Similarly, the bristles 88 may be a microfiber material.

(41) Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, another example of an additional member is illustrated. In this example, the vertebral implant device 10 includes a ring member 90, such as an allograft ring or strut, that can be attached to ball-joint rod body 54 to act as a carrier, support, and/or container for bone grafting tissue, bone growth, or the like. The ring member has an inner surface 92 that is placed adjacent to the ball-joint rod 54 and an outer surface 94 that further facilitates bone growth and support. The ring member 90 can have a variety of dimensions, sizes, shapes, or the like. In this example, the ring 90 has an opening shown at 96 to form a C-shaped profile, having a circumference of approximately 270 degrees and inferior and superior curvatures to span between the endplates. The ring member 90 can be clipped in a snap-fit manner onto the ball-joint rod body 54. Multiple rings 90 can be placed adjacent to each other on the ball-joint rod body 54, such as for additional coverage or to help bind the joint, or the like. The ring 54 can be made from a variety of materials, such as, vicryl, PEEK, or the like.

(42) Referring now to FIG. 12, an insertion device 400 for implantation of the vertebral implant device 10 within the vertebrae 16 of a patient is shown. The insertion device 400 is generally Y-shaped and includes a first arm 402 having a first gripping portion 402a and a first handle portion 402b. The insertion device 400 also includes a second arm 404 having a first gripping portion 404a and a second handle portion 404b. The first arm and second arm 400, 404 are pivotably attached at a pivot point 406, above which defines the gripping portion and below which defines the handle portion. The arms 402, 404 move relative to each other in scissor-like fashion above the pivot point 406. The first arm and second arm gripping portion 408 operatively grips the vertebral implant device 10. The gripping portion 408 of the insertion device 400 includes a ball-joint 410 to mimic the ball-join shaft while inserting the device 10. The insertion device 400 also includes a central guide member 412 for aligning and installing a fastener, such as a lock screw or the like. In operation, when the insertion device 400 is opened, the endplates 12 toggle on the insertion guide.

(43) Referring now to FIG. 13, a flowchart outlining a method of implanting a vertebral implant device 10, such as in a corpectomy procedure, is illustrated. The methodology demonstrates the potential for hollowed components which would facilitate bone marrow or other bone matrix transit. The methodology begins in block 500 with the step of preparing the site for the graft. For example, a partial or complete corpectomy involving the removal of a vertebral body 16 or a portion of a vertebral body is performed on a patient. One or more vertebral bodies 16 may be removed, as shown in FIG. 14.

(44) The method advances to block 510, which includes the step of inserting an endplate 14 onto an anatomic 98 endplate of an adjacent vertebral body 16. The size of the endplate 14 may be preselected using a gauge, such as an endplate sizer. Relevant dimensions include the diameter and length of the endplate 14. In this example, the insertion guide 400 is utilized to position the endplate 12 on the respective anatomic endplate 98. The first endplate and an opposed second endplate are positioned as shown in FIG. 15. The concentric inner rings 42 of the endplate 14 assist in the retention of the endplate 14 on the anatomic endplate 98. The retaining members, such as the centrally located spike 48 allows the endplate ring well 42 to be impacted into the anatomical endplate. Similarly, the cleats may also assist in temporarily tacking the endplate 12 in the desired position. As described, the interior portion of the endplate fits over the anatomic endplate 98, such as the cranial and caudal rings. A tack screw may be utilized to hold the endplate firmly against the vertebral body.

(45) The method proceeds to block 520 which includes the step of securing the first endplate and the second endplate to an adjacent vertebral body, as shown in FIG. 16. In this step, pilot holes can be drilled using the guide portion 412 of the insertion device 400 and screws placed therein while the insertion device 400 is holding the endplates 14 fixedly in position.

(46) The method then proceeds to block 530 which includes the step of measuring the distance between the endplates, such as using a caliper. An appropriately sized ball joint rod 18 is selected and using the insertion device 100, the spherical ends 56 of the selected ball-joint rod 18 are disposed within the socket 32 formed in each endplate 14, as shown in FIG. 17. In this step, the ball-joint rod is snapped in position while the insertion device is over-distracting the endplates. The socket joint is open on one side to all the ball joints to facilitate snapping in place. The ball-joint rod 18 may be secured to the endplate 14. For example, a collar or groove portion 88 of the spherical end of the ball-joint rod may engage the socket 82 to form the ball and socket joint 60. The collar may be threaded to secure in place, or a lock screw, as previously described, may be utilized. The locking set screw may be utilized to keep the ball socket joint 60 from pivoting on implantation, until alignment is complete. If a ball-joint rod such as that described in FIG. 5b is utilized, that the relative angular position of the anatomical vertebral body with respect to the ball-joint rod may be set as shown in FIG. 20, such as by snap-tilting the bristle ends into a corresponding aperture in the socket. Advantageously, a positive fit is achieved and the snap-in fit makes assembly easier.

(47) If it is desired to preserve the functionality of the joint, then the methodology ends. The ball and socket arrangement of the graft allows for relative movement of the adjacent vertebrae. If functionality of the joint is to be limited, the method proceeds to block 540 which includes the step of selecting and attaching a second member to the ball-joint rod. In an example, the mobility of the joint is limited using a locking screw as a cam to lock the angular position between the graft and an upper or lower vertebral body, such as between 15-20 degrees of angulation or the like. Further each endplate can be set at a different angle. In another example, a fusion member 80 such as a bristle post member and/or an allograft strut may be located onto the ball-joint rod body 54, as shown in FIG. 18. The bristle post member 80 may be snap fit onto the ball-joint rod body 54. These secondary devices promote bone growth around the graft, so that the adjacent vertebral bodies are fused together.

(48) The method can be modified in various manners, such as by adding steps, removing steps, rearranging steps, or the like. For example, the endplates may be further customized by heating the endplate and molding around the anatomical endplate to improve the bond therebetween. Advantageously, the device 10 may be assembly in situ and is readily customizable.

(49) The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claim, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

(50) The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claim, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

(51) The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.